In brief
At least 21 fatalities have been reported amid escalating violence in Mozambique as protests erupt over a disputed presidential election, with security forces facing allegations of excessive force.
In Mozambique, a wave of unrest has erupted following the confirmation of Daniel Chapo as the winner of the recent presidential election, resulting in at least 21 deaths and hundreds of buildings looted or vandalized. The violence sparked after the country's highest court endorsed Chapo's victory, leading to claims of electoral fraud from demonstrators against the ruling Frelimo party, which has been in power since independence in 1975. During a press conference, Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda confirmed the tragic toll and stated that two police officers were among those killed, with 71 people arrested in connection to the unrest. Human rights organizations have reported that security forces have utilized excessive force, including live ammunition, against protestors, intensifying the already volatile situation. As protests swept through the streets, demonstrators responded to the ruling with acts of defiance, including burning tires and obstructing roads with debris. Ronda condemned the violence, highlighting that attacks included the looting of police stations, schools, and hospitals, as well as an assault on a prison leading to the escape of 86 inmates. He warned that these actions threaten the nation’s stability and democratic values, asserting that the defense and security forces must act decisively to restore order and hold perpetrators accountable. This unrest follows ongoing tensions since the election, during which over 100 have died in related protests, reflecting the deep political divisions within the country.
